A sensor mounting structure for a vehicle includes: a fender panel; a cowl side panel provided at a lateral side of a cowl and disposed at an inner side, in a vehicle transverse direction, of the fender panel; a peripheral information detection sensor disposed at an inner side of the rear portion of the fender panel and at an outer side of the cowl side panel, the peripheral information detection sensor having a detection portion facing toward an outer side; and a mounting bracket having a vertical wall to which the peripheral information detection sensor is fixed, the mounting bracket being fixed to a vehicle body side member and being disposed between the peripheral information detection sensor and the cowl side panel.
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1. A sensor mounting structure for a vehicle, comprising: a fender panel structuring a side surface of a vehicle front portion; a cowl side panel configured to be provided at a lateral side of a cowl, and disposed at an inner side, in a vehicle transverse direction, of the fender panel so as to face a rear portion of the fender panel; a peripheral information detection sensor disposed at an inner side, in the vehicle transverse direction, of the rear portion of the fender panel and at an outer side, in the vehicle transverse direction, of the cowl side panel, the peripheral information detection sensor having a detection portion that detects peripheral information regarding the vehicle, and the detection portion facing toward an outer side in the vehicle transverse direction; and a mounting bracket having a vertical wall to which the peripheral information detection sensor is fixed, the mounting bracket configured to be fixed to the fender panel or another vehicle body side member at the vehicle front portion and being disposed between the peripheral information detection sensor and the cowl side panel.
The invention relates to a sensor mounting structure for vehicles, specifically addressing the challenge of integrating peripheral information detection sensors, such as radar or cameras, into the front portion of a vehicle while ensuring proper positioning, protection, and structural integrity. The structure includes a fender panel forming the side surface of the vehicle's front, and a cowl side panel located inward from the fender panel in the vehicle's transverse direction, positioned to face the rear portion of the fender panel. A peripheral information detection sensor is mounted inward from the fender panel's rear and outward from the cowl side panel, with its detection portion oriented outward in the transverse direction to monitor the vehicle's surroundings. A mounting bracket, featuring a vertical wall for sensor attachment, is fixed to the fender panel or another vehicle body member at the front. The bracket is positioned between the sensor and the cowl side panel, providing structural support and proper alignment. This design ensures the sensor is securely mounted while maintaining optimal detection performance and protecting it from environmental and mechanical interference. The structure simplifies installation and enhances reliability in detecting peripheral information for advanced driver assistance systems.
2. The sensor mounting structure for a vehicle of claim 1 , wherein: the mounting bracket has an upper wall that extends from an upper end of the vertical wall toward an outer side in the vehicle transverse direction, and the upper wall covers at least a portion of a top surface side of the peripheral information detection sensor, and the upper wall is inclined toward a vehicle upper side on progression toward the vehicle transverse direction outer side from the upper end of the vertical wall.
A sensor mounting structure for vehicles is designed to protect and position peripheral information detection sensors, such as cameras or radar units, on the vehicle's exterior. The structure includes a mounting bracket with a vertical wall that attaches to the vehicle body and supports the sensor. The bracket also features an upper wall extending outward from the top of the vertical wall, covering at least part of the sensor's upper surface. This upper wall is angled upward as it extends outward, providing aerodynamic shielding and protection from environmental elements like rain or debris. The design ensures the sensor remains securely mounted while minimizing interference with airflow and maintaining optimal detection performance. The inclined upper wall helps reduce drag and prevents water accumulation, enhancing sensor reliability in various driving conditions. The structure is particularly useful for sensors mounted on vehicle exteriors, such as front grilles or rear bumpers, where exposure to external factors is high. The bracket's configuration balances protection, aerodynamics, and sensor functionality, addressing challenges in integrating advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) into modern vehicles.
3. The sensor mounting structure for a vehicle of claim 2 , wherein a rib, which projects out toward a vehicle upper side and extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction, is formed at a vehicle transverse direction outer side region of the upper wall of the mounting bracket.
The invention relates to a sensor mounting structure for vehicles, specifically addressing the need to securely mount sensors while ensuring proper alignment and protection from environmental factors. The structure includes a mounting bracket with an upper wall that supports a sensor. A rib is formed on the outer side of the upper wall in the vehicle's transverse direction, projecting upward toward the vehicle's upper side and extending along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. This rib enhances structural rigidity, prevents misalignment, and shields the sensor from debris or impacts. The rib's orientation and positioning improve aerodynamic performance while maintaining sensor functionality. The mounting bracket may also include additional features, such as a lower wall and side walls, to further stabilize the sensor and protect it from external forces. The overall design ensures reliable sensor operation in various driving conditions.
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October 21, 2019
April 19, 2022
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